Obituary writer Bryan Marquard has written about the lives of 800 people who have died. Sure, the job has given him life-changing insights, but he's still no better at answering life's unanswerable questions. How have you acquired important life-lessons? Share your stories.

Love your family members whole-heartedly, even when you don't get along with them at times. You will be pleasantly surprised at how much happiness this will bring you. Oh, and no matter what, keep smiling.

I agree with the last tip in the article -- Don't put off what you've always wanted to do. A friend of mine died this summer; she didn't even make it to 50. One of the things she always wanted to do that I've also always wanted to do was live by the beach. Two weeks after she passed away, I bought my beach house. There could not have been a bigger kick in the pants to get cracking and live my dreams immediately.

Believe and pray. The horizon is most definitely not the end of the ocean and death is not the end of life. Death is the beginning of the life we are meant to live. We were created for a specific purpose and life here and now is to prepare for eternity. Don't think of this life as 'all you've got so make the best of it' think of it as the time to prepare to reap the rewards you earn once you get to heaven. With that in mind, read the bible, practice its precepts, love your fellow man and love and worship God.

My friend, You are being too hard on yourself. You miss and grieve for your friend, but sadly it was your friend who needed to get the help and learn the lessons, not you. As much as we love someone, we cannot choose for them. Be more compassionate toward yourself - you obviously are a very loving friend or family member. They were blessed to have you. Honor your friend, but don't blame yourself for something you could not change.